While doom-and-gloom tends to permeate the narrative of the publishing and book business world these days, I think there are success stories at every corner.
Take this article in pubishers weekly highlighting 6 independents that opened shortly before the economic collapse - showing how innovative bookselling, grassroots marketing, and good old fashioned local touches can make all the difference.
Or how about this article about Iliad Bookshop in L.A. crediting a loyal clientele and not putting "junk" on his shelves as his saving grace.
And what about here - where Connecticut booksellers are marrying handselling with online marketing - finding customers online - finding ways to connect personally with their customers digitally.
Also, as always, how about those authors that support the literary scene at the local level - favoring independents over chains? Even just this week I heard from Nikki @ Pudd'nhead Books, who hosted author Chris Cleave (Little Bee)- who in turn hailed her independent bookstore in St. Louis, MO at the event.
And even the support of NPR, whose best seller list is based off of 500 independent bookstore sales - supporting the indies by highlighting those books that sell best in the independent market.
Some say that I'm naive in believing that the independent book market can revive and thrive - but I firmly disagree. While we are facing hard realities about a changing business, there is evidence that indies around the country are sustaining and growing their business - getting creative, maintaining their personal touch, and adapting to the swiftly changing market.
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